Israel-Iran tensions simmer after drone strike near Isfahan.
Tehran/Jerusalem: Tensions between arch-rivals Israel and Iran continue to simmer a day after suspected drone strikes near Iran’s Isfahan city, with both sides trading warnings but also signals to de-escalate.
Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian has described the drones involved as mere “toys” while asserting they caused no damage. However, he warned Israel of a “swift and maximum” response to any new attacks.
Amirabdollahian’s comments come even as he said Iran is not currently planning retaliation unless Israel takes “decisive action”. This signifies Tehran’s desire to avoid a flare-up for now.
The strikes followed cross-border violence earlier this year, including missile launches on Israel by Iran in response to a Damascus bombing blamed on Tel Aviv.
While Israeli experts saw the airfield bombing as projecting deterrence with Iran’s nuclear sites in focus, officials in Jerusalem have remained circumspect.
The US, too, has called for restraint, indicating both sides likely want tensions kept in check despite rhetoric. Their conflict risks igniting a broader regional conflagration at a sensitive time.
The lack of clarity on Thursday’s drone incident and the drone’s capabilities have fuelled ambiguity. However, mutual deterrence appears to be driving measured responses for the moment.
